Method and system for depositing and checking of baggage into airline flights

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a baggage drop system for depositing and checking of baggage into airline flights. The system comprises a conveyor ( 1 ), equipped with a static or dynamic weighing scale ( 17 ), comprising multiple, spaced apart load cells ( 18 ), and computing means adapted to compare the output of the weighing scale ( 17 ) with allowable baggage weights, and a substantially horizontal frame member ( 2 ′), mounted above the first conveyor ( 1 ) at a distance from the upper surface of the first conveyor ( 1 ) equal to the maximum allowable height of baggage, thereby forming a physical barrier for oversized baggage. The system allows to check for the presence of living creatures on the conveyor belt, and for conformity with baggage handling system requirements. The system may further comprise a baggage check-in apparatus ( 3 ) to allow automatic baggage check-in by a passenger, including means for payment ( 12 ) of excess and/or overweight baggage. The invention further comprises a method for checking in of baggage items using the baggage drop system in accordance with the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and system for depositing andchecking of baggage into airline flights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At airports, passengers usually have to check in and deposit theirbaggage prior to the boarding procedure. In this process, a label isaffixed to the baggage, and the baggage is subsequently deposited andtaken away on a conveyor system to a baggage processing area. In theprocessing area the baggage is sorted on the basis of the label, andmore specifically on the basis of flight number and/or baggagecharacteristics, and is ultimately placed on board of the correctaircraft.

Until recently, the checking in and depositing of baggage was handled byan airline employee or a member of the ground staff. Presently,passengers without hold baggage and with or without carry-on baggage cancheck in independently and without the assistance of an airline employeeor a member of the ground staff, using for instance Common UseSelf-Service (CUSS) check-in kiosks. Although such kiosks may also beused by passengers with hold baggage, depositing hold baggage has to becarried out with the assistance of an airline employee or a member ofthe ground staff. These will furnish the baggage with a label, assessits weight and transportability and ultimately take receipt of thatbaggage.

The above described known method of checking in and depositing baggagerequires the assistance of an airline employee or a member of the groundstaff, each of which is manning a check-in desk. The required number ofdesks at airports is determined by the maximum number of baggage itemsthat are expected to be checked in and deposited simultaneously. Thenumber of check-in desks needed therefore is large whereas most of themare used infrequently and therefore ineffectively. The desks take up asubstantial part of the available terminal space, making it difficult toexpand (baggage) handling capacity within existing terminals.Furthermore, the need for staffing makes this known method of checkingin and depositing baggage a very expensive one. To keep costs undercontrol, the availability of desks and staffing is kept limited,eventually resulting in long passenger waiting queues.

A known system and method for checking passengers and baggage intoairline flights is known from US 2004035928, which discloses the use ofself-service electronic kiosks and baggage drop systems. A problem ofthe known baggage drop systems lies in the open nature of the conveyancesystem. Without the presence of supervision of an airline employee ormember of the ground staff, it is impossible to prevent anyone fromgaining access to forbidden and/or dangerous sections of the airportthrough the conveyance system, which is in direct connection with saidsections. Especially for children, entering such forbidden and dangeroussections entails considerable hazards.

Closed baggage drop systems were subsequently developed in order toprevent said situations. Such closed systems are disclosed for instancein CA 2186076 and EP 2114767. Important drawback of closed baggage dropsystems is that they require substantial alterations to the existinginfrastructure present at airports and hence are relatively expensive.Furthermore, closed baggage drop systems are of higher complexity thanthe open-natured systems and the associated purchase cost is thereforehigher. The savings in wages for airline employees or members of groundstaff may therefore be outweighed by the high cost of purchase andinstallation of these closed baggage drop systems.

Other systems have been disclosed, all of which however rely on theattention of an operator or other personnel, and as such are prone toerrors.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an open-type baggagedrop system and method without the disadvantages and limitations ofknown open and closed baggage drop solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved airport check-in processcomprising self-service electronic check-in kiosks and self-servicebaggage drop systems. The electronic kiosks may be provided in variouslocations around the terminal to enable passengers to obtain boardingpasses and perform check-in.

In an aspect of the invention, a baggage drop system for depositing andchecking of baggage into airline flights is provided, the systemcomprising a first conveyor, equipped with a static or dynamic weighingscale, comprising multiple, spaced apart load cells, and computing meansadapted to compare the output of the weighing scale with allowablebaggage weights, and a substantially horizontal frame member, mountedabove the first conveyor at a distance from the upper surface of thefirst conveyor equal to the maximum allowable height of baggage, therebyforming a physical barrier for oversized baggage. The baggage dropsystem provides a secure method for checking in baggage.

According to the invention, the stable baggage weight is checked withthe baggage handling system requirements. Baggage which is too light ortoo heavy to be taken away on a conveyor system to a baggage processingarea will be rejected and returned to the passenger by the baggage dropsystem.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the stable baggageweight is checked with the baggage weight allowance, obtained from theairline departure control system. If the baggage is overweight, it willbe rejected by the baggage drop system and returned to the passenger.

In a embodiment of the invention, a system is provided that furthercomprises spaced apart vertical members or walls, provided at a distancefrom each other equal to the maximum allowable width of baggage.

A system according to yet another embodiment of the invention comprisesa frame of spaced apart vertical members that support the substantiallyhorizontal frame member, the frame having dimensions such that the spaceenclosed by the upper surface of the first conveyor and the framemembers has a surface area equal to the maximum allowablecross-sectional surface area of baggage. The vertically extending framemember(s) could either be mounted to the (side guarding of) the firstconveyor or to the floor underneath this first conveyor. The frame, andin particular the horizontal member thereof, functions as a physicalbarrier for predetermined oversized baggage items, which also reducesthe risk that living creatures—accidentally or intentionally—enter thebaggage processing area via the conveyor system.

According to an embodiment of the invention wherein the frame isconstructed from one component only, such a frame is manufactured suchthat it forms a gate, optionally in combination with one or twoadjacently positioned check-in desks. All cabling necessary for thecorrect functioning of the baggage check-in apparatus is preferably heldand concealed in the frame.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, thebaggage drop system further comprises a photoelectric cell mounted atthe downstream end of the first conveyor. More preferably, the firstconveyor is equipped with at least two photoelectric cells arranged in aspaced apart configuration in the moving direction of the firstconveyor, whereby the spacing is substantially equal to the maximumallowable length of the baggage. This embodiment allows to perform acheck on the length of baggage items and prevent too long (oversize)baggage from entering the baggage handling system. A load is transportedby the first conveyor over a very short distance. The first conveyorbelt is stopped instantly once the photoelectric cell at the downstreamend of the first conveyor system is triggered. Subsequently, the weightis determined once more by the static or dynamic weighing scaleinstalled in said first conveyor system. As a result of the instantstopping of the conveyor belt subsequent to the photoelectric cell beingtriggered, the conveyor's load will vibrate during a limited period oftime. If a baggage item is placed onto the conveyor belt, the readingsfrom the load cells will—as a result of said vibrations—show different(more stable) characteristics than in case of a living creature. Only incase the (variations of the) readings are within predetermined limits,the baggage check-in process will be allowed to proceed.

The computing means preferably are adapted to compare the variation inthe output of the load cells with an allowable variation. The output ofthe load cells is used to

-   -   a. Check for the presence of living creatures on the first        conveyor belt, purposed to prevent living creatures from        entering the baggage processing area via the conveyor system;    -   b. Check for conformity with baggage handling system        requirements; and    -   c. Check for conformity with the weight allowance

When a living creature for instance enters the first conveyor belt, itis likely that the variation in the output of the load cells will berelatively large, due to movements of the living creature.

Furthermore, the baggage drop system and in particular the computingmeans thereof comprises a baggage check-in apparatus, comprising acomputer with a graphical user interface and a display screen for thedisplay of said interface and information concerning the process ofbaggage check-in. The computer is preferably adapted to identify andcontact the airline departure control system to obtain baggageallowances and check-in the passenger's baggage, communicate with thebaggage handling system, and/or run the software for the graphical userinterface which guides the passenger through the baggage check-inprocess.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the baggage dropsystem, and in particular the baggage check-in apparatus comprisesautomatic baggage label and/or boarding pass reading means. Thesereading means could either be barcode reading means and/or QR codereading means and/or radio frequency identification chip reading means,depending on the type of baggage label used at the specific airport andby the specific airline. The computer is furthermore equipped withbarcode reading software and/or QR code reading software and/or radiofrequency identification chip reading software.

In accordance with a further preferred aspect of the invention, thebaggage drop system comprises handheld barcode and/or QR code scanningequipment and/or digital camera equipment and means for storing thisequipment. Passengers are to use said equipment to scan the barcodeand/or QR code printed onto the baggage label and/or boarding passmanually and/or make a picture of the baggage label and/or boardingpass. The computer is equipped with barcode reading software and/or QRcode reading software and/or optical character recognition software toextract the code corresponding with the baggage label.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the baggage check-inapparatus is mounted to the frame and more specifically either on theright-hand side of de left vertical frame member, or on the left-handside of the right vertical member, or preferably on top of thehorizontal frame member. Placement of the baggage check-in apparatussubstantially above the first conveyor, makes it possible for passengersto easily and simultaneously receive instructions through the graphicaluser interface and at the same time follow said instructions. In case acheck-in desk is present on one or both sides of the first conveyor, thehorizontal frame member is preferably connected directly to the check-indesk(s), instead of via a vertical frame member to (the side guardingof) the first conveyor.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the baggagecheck-in apparatus is equipped with a motion and/or distance sensor,connected to the computer, to detect the presence of passengers in closevicinity of the baggage drop system and initiate the process of baggagecheck-in.

Furthermore, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of theinvention, the first conveyor of the baggage drop system is lowered atthe front end and/or angled, to facilitate the placing of baggage itemsby the passenger onto the conveyor belt.

Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a baggage drop systemwherein the first conveyor, equipped with a static or dynamic weighingscale, starts running slowly and automatically as soon as weight isdetected by the weighing scale, in order to facilitate the placing ofbaggage onto the conveyor belt even further. In another embodiment, thefirst conveyor starts running slowly and automatically as soon as thepresence of a passenger in close vicinity of the baggage drop system isdetected by means of the motion and/or distance sensor. This, in orderto further facilitate the placing of baggage onto the conveyor belt bythe passenger.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a baggage drop systemwherein it is verified that the handheld barcode and/or QR code scanningequipment and/or digital camera equipment is correctly placed in theappropriate storage means by automatically or manually perform a scanaction and/or take a picture. A barcode, QR code, text or image isplaced inside the storage means, such that the barcode or QR code isscanned, or a picture is taken of the text or image if the equipment isplaced correctly. The baggage check-in apparatus' computer is equippedwith barcode reading software and/or QR code reading software and/oroptical character recognition software and/or digital image analysis andprocessing software, which is used to confirm that the equipment iscorrectly placed in the storage means. If not, the passenger will beinstructed through the graphical user interface to do so.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the baggagelabel is read by the passenger manually by means of a wireless handhelddevice, such as a mobile phone. The handheld device is equipped with adigital camera and used to make a picture of the baggage label. Thedevice is furthermore equipped with barcode reading software and/or QRcode reading software and/or optical character recognition software toextract the code corresponding with the baggage label. The handhelddevice is furthermore equipped with near field communication technologyused to communicate with the baggage check-in apparatus, and morespecifically the computer.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the baggageweight is determined by means of the static or dynamic weighingscale—integrated in the first conveyor, being equipped with multipleload cells. Condition for transporting the baggage item from the firstto the second conveyor belt is that the measured weight is sufficientlystable. In case a living creature is positioned on the conveyor belt,the weight measurements show much larger fluctuations than in case of anon-moving object, such as a baggage item.

In accordance with an even further preferred aspect of the invention,the baggage drop system comprises a light grid, installed substantiallyvertically at the downstream end of the conveyor, the light grid beingconnected to the baggage check-in apparatus' computer. The light grid ispreferably installed at the position of the photoelectric cell at thedownstream end of the first conveyor system. The vibration of theconveyor's load as a consequence of the instant stopping of the firstconveyor belt will not only result in unstable weight measurements, butalso in the intermittent blockage of (part of) the light grid. Forliving creatures, this blockage shows different characteristics than forrigid objects, such as baggage items. By monitoring the output of thelight grid, living creatures can be prevented from entering forbiddenand dangerous sections of the airport. It must be mentioned that somebaggage as a result of the instant stopping of the first conveyor beltwill also exhibit atypical and intermittent blockage of (part of) thelight grid. This is the case for instance with very round-shapedbaggage. Such baggage is unfit for automatic handling and hence may notbe taken away on a conveyor system. It must therefore be rejected by thebaggage drop system. Apart from preventing living creatures fromentering the baggage processing area via the conveyor system, the lightgrid also functions as a transportability check purposed to preventunfit baggage from being handled automatically.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the output ofthe light grid is monitored continuously, even when no blockage is to beexpected. As such, the light grid functions as a security gate. Ifblockage of (any part of the) light grid is detected, a warning signalis sent out by the baggage drop system

According to a further aspect of the invention, a passenger will beoffered the possibility to accept the corresponding charges in case thestable baggage weight exceeds the obtained weight allowance. Ifaccepted, the excess baggage fee is transmitted to a payment deviceinstalled in the baggage check-in apparatus to process the transaction.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a system wherein the computerof the baggage check-in apparatus accesses the airline's website, andmore in particular the payment section of said website, after thepassenger has accepted to pay the excess baggage fee. The passenger issubsequently prompted to complete the payment transaction online. Inaccordance with a further aspect of the invention, after acceptance ofthe excess baggage fees, the passenger is instructed to wait forassistance of an employee of the airline or a member of the groundstaff. This employee or staff member carries a mobile payment device atwhich the passenger can fulfil the requested payment. The graphical userinterface requires input of the employee or staff member, and more inparticular the confirmation of fulfillment of the payment process,before the baggage check-in process is continued.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a stand-alonepayment terminal—equipped with a computer—is provided in the nearvicinity of the baggage drop system or systems. At this terminal, havingaccepted to pay the excess baggage fee, passengers can fulfil paymentafter completion of the baggage drop process. The passenger preferablyidentifies himself/herself by for instance scanning the barcode and/orQR code printed on his boarding pass or baggage claim tag and fulfilpayment using cash, credit card or debit card. Once payment has beencompleted, the computer is used to identify and contact the airlinedeparture control system to alter the status of the code correspondingwith the baggage label, which is attached to the overweight baggage from‘inactive’ to ‘active’.

In case all weight requirements are met, the baggage is in a particularembodiment transported from the first onto the second conveyor belt.Using a photoelectric cell at the end of the side guarding of the firstconveyor and at least one photoelectric cell mounted at the sideguarding of the second conveyor, the length of the baggage item isdetermined. In case the length is within limits, successful bag drop isconfirmed and the baggage is taken away on a conveyor system to aprocessing area. If not, the baggage is returned to the passenger by thebaggage drop system.

In accordance with yet other aspect of the invention, baggage istransported backward and forward over the first conveyor belt. Usingphotoelectric cells mounted to the side guarding and near the beginning(upstream end) and the (downstream) end of the first conveyor, with aspacing substantially equal to the maximum allowable length of baggageto be taken away on a conveyor system to a processing area, it isdetermined whether or not the baggage item's length is within limits. Ifthe latter is not the case, the baggage will be returned to thepassenger by the baggage drop system. If the baggage length is howeverwithin limits, successful bag drop is confirmed and the baggage is takenaway on a conveyor system to a processing area.

According to another aspect of the invention, after being transportedfrom the first onto the second conveyor belt, the baggage is checked bymeans of an infrared camera system. Typically, baggage items showrelatively low average and maximum temperature values as compared tomost living creatures. By monitoring the output of the infrared camerasystem, the risk of living creatures to be taken away on a conveyorsystem and enter forbidden and dangerous sections of the airport isminimized. In case the conveyor's load is classified as a livingcreature, movement of the second belt is stopped and a warning signal issent out by the baggage drop system. Else, successful bag drop isconfirmed and the baggage item is taken away on a conveyor system to aprocessing area.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, after beingtransported from the first onto the second conveyor belt, the baggage ischecked further for length and/or shape and/or movement and/orvibrations using a 3-dimensional laser measurement system and/or lightgrid and/or motion sensor and/or ultra wideband radar to further reducethe risk of living creatures and baggage unfit for automatic handling tobe taken away on a conveyor system to forbidden and dangerous sectionsof the airport.

In another embodiment of the invention, the passenger is prompted toidentify himself by scanning or reading his boarding pass as part of thebaggage check-in process. The boarding pass could either be atraditional paper boarding pass, or an electronic boarding pass, whichmay be received for instance on a cell phone or personal digitalassistant. Hereto, the baggage check-in apparatus is equipped eitherwith handheld or built-in barcode and/or QR code scanning equipmentand/or a digital camera used to make a picture of the boarding pass. Thecomputer is furthermore equipped with barcode reading software and/or QRcode reading software and/or optical character recognition software.

In accordance with another embodiment, the baggage check-in apparatus isequipped with a claim tag printer to issue a claim tag to the passengerafter successful completion of the baggage check-in process. In stillanother embodiment, a barcode and/or QR code is printed onto the claimtag, which has shape and dimensions substantially similar to those of acredit card. The claim tag may be used to fulfil payment of excessbaggage fees at the stand-alone payment terminal.

Another aspect of the invention provides a baggage drop system that isequipped with an exit door, positioned above and at the downstream endof the conveyor at which the length of the baggage item is determined.The exit door comprises an automatic opening and closing mechanism and acontrol circuit to control said mechanism. The exit door is opened ifall weight requirements are met, the baggage length is within limits andit is confirmed that no living creature is positioned on the conveyorbelt. Subsequently, the baggage is discharged from said conveyor andtaken away on a conveyor system to a processing area. Shortly afterdischarging of the baggage, the exit door will be closed again andsuccessful bag drop is confirmed.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the baggage dropsystem is furthermore equipped with an entry door, positioned above andat the upstream end of the first conveyor. The entry door comprises anautomatic opening and closing mechanism and a control circuit to controlsaid mechanism. The entry door is opened if the presence of a passengerin close vicinity of the baggage drop system is detected by means of themotion and/or distance sensor, and/or if a passenger has successfullyidentified himself by scanning or reading his boarding pass. The entrydoor will be closed if the baggage check-in process is completed oraborted and/or presence of a passenger in close vicinity of the baggagedrop system is no longer detected.

Preferably, the self-service electronic check-in kiosks and baggage dropsystem in accordance with the invention includes a passport reader, aprinter for printing boarding passes, a touch-screen, and optionally insome cases a card reader device and a baggage label printer. Baggagelabels may be obtained by the passenger at the self-service baggage dropsystem. Depending on airport and airline practice, the baggage labelspreferably are equipped with a barcode and/or QR code and/or radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip. One or more of the baggage dropsystems according to the invention are preferably located near thecheck-in kiosks but separated therefrom so that passengers will firstcheck-in at a self-service electronic check-in kiosk, and subsequentlymove to a baggage drop system to check in and deposit their baggage.

In another aspect of the invention, baggage labels are preferablyobtained by the passenger either at the electronic kiosks—if equippedwith a baggage label printer, or at stand-alone self-service baggagelabel print kiosks. The baggage drop systems in accordance with theinvention are preferably located either near the baggage label printkiosks, or near the check-in kiosks (whichever is applicable) butseparated from said kiosks so that passengers will first check-in at acheck-in kiosk, then (if applicable) proceed to a baggage label printkiosk, and ultimately move to a baggage drop system of the invention tocheck in and deposit their baggage.

In yet another aspect of the invention, at the self-service electroniccheck-in kiosk as much information is gathered as possible, tofacilitate the process of baggage check-in at the baggage drop system.For instance, during the self-service check-in process passengers willprovide information such as the number of bags to check in. Passengersmay also pay additional charges or fees during the check-in process tofacilitate acceptance of example given overweight or excess baggage atthe baggage drop system. As much information is gathered and processsteps completed as possible, to minimize the time to be spent at thebaggage drop system. Depending on legislation and common airportpractice, security questions for instance may have to be answered by thepassenger during check-in as well.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, passengers maycheck-in remotely, such as over the Internet, and after arrival at theairport proceed directly to a baggage label print kiosk. In case ofremote check-in, passengers preferably print the boarding passesthemselves. Furthermore, passengers may pay additional charges forexample given excess or overweight baggage, and answer securityquestions during the remote check-in process.

In another aspect of the invention, passengers do not obtain baggagelabels at the airport, but remotely. They then either print the baggagelabels themselves—for example during the remote check-in process, or thelabels are sent to the desired address by the airline or travellingagency prior to the date of departure.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The invention will now be described by way of example without howeverbeing limited thereto and with reference to the accompanying figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baggage drop system in accordance withand embodying some preferred principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a baggage drop system in accordance withand embodying alternative preferred aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a conveyor, equipped with a static weighingscale, comprising multiple load cells;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a baggage drop system in accordance with andembodying some preferred principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a baggage drop system in accordance with andembodying some other preferred principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a baggage drop system in accordance with andembodying yet other preferred principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stand-alone baggage label print kiosk;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a stand-alone payment terminal; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of a baggage drop system in accordance with andembodying some preferred principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that avalue includes the standard deviation of error for the device or methodbeing employed to determine the value.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to morethan one, i.e. to at least one of the grammatical object of the article.By way of example, “a door” means one door or more than one door.

Throughout this application, the term “substantially” means more than90% of the indicated value or property.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is illustrated an embodiment of the baggagedrop system in accordance with the present invention. The baggage dropsystem comprises a (first) conveyor 1, lowered and angled at the frontend. It furthermore comprises a baggage check-in apparatus 3, connectedto a frame 2. The frame 2 in turn is connected to the side guarding 5 ofconveyor 1. The baggage check-in apparatus 3 comprises a display screen4 for the display of a graphical user interface. It furthermorecomprises handheld scanning equipment 6, and means for storage of saidequipment 7. Furthermore, there are connecting means 8 for connectingthe handheld scanning equipment to the computer (not visible) inside thebaggage check-in apparatus. The baggage drop system furthermorecomprises a second conveyor 9, and an infrared camera system 10 focusedat conveyor 9, for monitoring the (temperature of) the load of saidconveyor.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated another embodiment of thebaggage drop system in accordance with the present invention. Thebaggage drop system comprises a (first) conveyor 1, lowered and angledat the front end, a baggage check-in apparatus 3, connected to a frame2. The frame 2 in turn is connected to the side guarding 5 of conveyor1. The baggage check-in apparatus 3 comprises a display screen 4 for thedisplay of a graphical user interface. It furthermore comprises a secondconveyor 9, and an infrared camera system 10 focused at conveyor 9, formonitoring the (temperature of) the load of said conveyor. Furthermore,the baggage check-in apparatus comprises a reader 11 for reading(example given) boarding passes, a payment terminal 12, a printer 13 forprinting baggage labels and/or claim tags, a motion sensor 14 and cardreader device 15.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a conveyor 16, equipped with astatic weighing scale 17, comprising multiple load cells 18 inaccordance with the invention.

Now referring to FIG. 4, there is depicted yet another embodiment of thebaggage drop system in accordance with the present invention, comprisinga conveyor 16, equipped with a static weighing scale 17 and comprisingmultiple load cells 18. The system furthermore comprises a baggagecheck-in apparatus 3, connected to a frame 2, one photoelectric cell 20mounted at the downstream end of conveyor 16 and another photoelectriccell 19 mounted at the upstream end of conveyor 16. Photoelectric cells19 and 20 are spaced apart, whereby the spacing is substantially equalto the maximum allowable length of baggage.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated another embodiment of thebaggage drop system, comprising a conveyor 16, equipped with a staticweighing scale 17 and comprising multiple load cells 18. The systemfurthermore comprises a baggage check-in apparatus 3, connected to aframe 2 and a second conveyor 9. Furthermore, the baggage drop systemcomprises automatic baggage label reading means 21, a light grid 22mounted at the downstream end of conveyor 16 and a photoelectric cell 19mounted at the upstream end of conveyor 16. A second photoelectric cell23 is mounted to conveyor 9. Light grid 22 and photoelectric cell 19 arespaced apart, whereby the spacing is substantially equal to the maximumallowable length of baggage. Similarly, light grid 22 and photoelectriccell 23 are spaced apart, whereby the spacing is substantially equal tothe maximum allowable length of baggage.

In FIG. 6, an embodiment of the baggage drop system is depicted,comprising a baggage check-in apparatus 3, connected to a frame 2, aconveyor 16, equipped with a static weighing scale 17 and comprisingmultiple load cells 18, automatic baggage label reading means 21, alight grid 22 mounted at the downstream end of conveyor 16 and a secondconveyor 9. The system furthermore comprises one photoelectric cell 23mounted at the downstream end of conveyor 9 and another photoelectriccell 24 mounted at the upstream end of conveyor 9. Photoelectric cells23 and 24 are spaced apart, whereby the spacing is substantially equalto the maximum allowable length of baggage.

FIG. 7 shows a stand-alone baggage label print kiosk 25, comprising abaggage label printer 28, a reader 26 for reading (example given)boarding passes and a card reader device 27.

FIG. 8 depicts a stand-alone payment terminal 29, comprising a paymentdevice 32, a reader 30 for reading (example given) boarding passes and areader device 31 for reading (frequent flyer) cards and/or claim tags.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated still another embodimentof the baggage drop system, comprising a baggage check-in apparatus 3,connected to a frame 2, a conveyor 16, equipped with a static weighingscale 17 and comprising multiple load cells 18, automatic baggage labelreading means 21, a light grid 22 mounted at the downstream end ofconveyor 16 and a second conveyor 9. The system furthermore comprises asecond light grid 33 mounted at the upstream end of conveyor 16, an exitdoor 34 positioned behind light grid 22 at the downstream end ofconveyor 16 and an entry door 35 positioned in front of light grid 33.Furthermore, the baggage drop system comprises a cover 36, connectingentry door 35 and exit door 34 and purposed to close off the spacebetween both doors, preventing access to conveyor 16 from either sideexcept by means of either door.

1. Baggage drop system for depositing and checking of baggage intoairline flights, the system comprising a first conveyor, equipped with astatic or dynamic weighing scale, comprising multiple, spaced apart loadcells, and computing means adapted to compare the output of the weighingscale with allowable baggage weights, and a substantially horizontalframe member, mounted above the first conveyor at a distance from theupper surface of the first conveyor equal to the maximum allowableheight of baggage, thereby forming a physical barrier for oversizedbaggage.
 2. System according to claim 1, further comprising spaced apartvertical members or walls, provided at a distance from each other equalto the maximum allowable width of baggage.
 3. System according to claim1 or 2, comprising a frame of spaced apart vertical members that supportthe substantially horizontal frame member, the frame having dimensionssuch that the space enclosed by the upper surface of the first conveyorand the frame members has a surface area equal to the maximum allowablecross-sectional surface area of baggage.
 4. System according to any oneof claims 1 to 3, wherein the first conveyor is equipped with at leasttwo photoelectric cells arranged in a spaced apart configuration in themoving direction of the first conveyor, whereby the spacing issubstantially equal to the maximum allowable length of the baggage. 5.System according to claim 4, comprising a second conveyor placed afterthe first conveyor in a downstream direction of conveyance, whereby atleast one photoelectric cell is mounted to the side guarding of thesecond conveyor.
 6. System according to claim 5, wherein the secondconveyor comprises a substantially horizontal frame member, mountedabove the second conveyor at a distance from the upper surface of thesecond conveyor equal to the maximum allowable height of baggage,thereby forming a physical barrier for oversized baggage.
 7. Systemaccording to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computingmeans are adapted to compare the variation in the output of the loadcells with an allowable variation.
 8. System according to any one of thepreceding claims, wherein the computing means further comprise a baggagecheck-in apparatus, comprising a computer with a graphical userinterface and a display screen for the display of said interface andinformation concerning the process of baggage check-in.
 9. Systemaccording to claim 8, the computer being adapted to identify and contactthe airline departure control system to obtain baggage allowances andcheck in the passenger's baggage, communicate with the baggage handlingsystem, and/or run the software for the graphical user interface whichguides the passenger through the baggage check-in process.
 10. Systemaccording to claim 8 or 9, wherein the baggage check-in apparatuscomprises automatic baggage label and/or boarding pass reading means.11. System according to claim 10, wherein the baggage label and/orboarding pass reading means are chosen from barcode reading means and/orQR code reading means and/or radio frequency identification chip readingmeans and/or digital camera equipment.
 12. System according to claim 10or 11, wherein the baggage label and/or boarding pass reading means arehandheld.
 13. System according to any one of claims 10-12, where thebaggage label and/or boarding pass reading means comprise wirelesshandheld devices, such as mobile phones, and the computer is equippedwith near field communication technology.
 14. System according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a light grid, installedsubstantially vertically at the downstream end of the first conveyor,the light grid being connected to a baggage check-in apparatus'computer.
 15. System according to any one of the preceding claims,further comprising means for measuring, determining and analyzing thetemperature and/or length and/or shape and/or movement and/or vibrationof the load on the first conveyor belt and/or the second conveyor belt.16. System according to any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising a baggage label printer, installed in a baggage check-inapparatus and/or in a stand-alone baggage label print kiosk and purposedto print the required number of baggage labels
 17. System according toany one of the preceding claims, further comprising a claim tag printerfor issuing a claim tag to the passenger after successful completion ofthe baggage check-in process.
 18. System according to any one of thepreceding claims, where a baggage check-in apparatus comprises means forpayment of excess and/or overweight baggage.
 19. System according toclaim 18, wherein the means for payment are chosen from a built-inpayment terminal, an online connection to the payment section of theairlines' website and a mobile payment device, and combinations ofthese.
 20. System according to claim 18 or 19, the means for paymentcomprising a stand-alone payment terminal located in the near vicinityof the baggage check-in apparatus, the payment terminal being equippedwith handheld or built-in barcode and/or QR code scanning equipmentand/or a digital camera for making a picture of the boarding pass orclaim tag, used to manually scan the barcode and/or QR code printed ontothe boarding pass or claim tag and/or make a picture of said boardingpass or claim tag, a computer, being equipped with barcode readingsoftware and/or QR code reading software and/or optical characterrecognition software to extract the code corresponding with the (paperor electronic) boarding pass or claim tag, the computer being connectedto the boarding pass reading means.
 21. System according to any one ofthe preceding claims, further comprising a motion and/or distancesensor, connected to a baggage check-in apparatus' computer and adaptedto detect the presence of passengers in close vicinity of the baggagecheck-in apparatus and initiate the process of baggage check-in. 22.System according to claim 21, wherein the first conveyor is adapted tostart running as soon as the presence of a passenger in close vicinityof the baggage drop system is detected by means of the motion and/ordistance sensor.
 23. System according to any one of the precedingclaims, wherein the first conveyor is adapted to start running as soonas a weight is detected by the weighing scale.
 24. System according toany one of the preceding claims, wherein a frame member concealssubstantially all cabling necessary for the correct functioning of abaggage check-in apparatus.
 25. System according to any one of thepreceding claims, comprising means to automatically or manually performa check as to whether a handheld barcode and/or QR code scanningequipment and/or digital camera equipment is correctly placed inappropriate storage means.
 26. System according to claim 25, wherein thestorage means contains a barcode, QR code, text or image, such that thebarcode or QR code is scanned, or a picture is taken of the text orimage if the equipment is placed correctly, and a baggage check-inapparatus computer is equipped with barcode reading software and/or QRcode reading software and/or optical character recognition softwareand/or digital image analysis and processing software.
 27. Systemaccording to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an exitdoor that is positioned above and at the downstream end of the firstconveyor, the exit door comprising an automatic opening and closingmechanism and a control circuit to control said mechanism.
 28. Systemaccording to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising anentry door that is positioned above and at the upstream end of the firstconveyor, the entry door comprising an automatic opening and closingmechanism and a control circuit to control said mechanism.
 29. Methodfor checking in of baggage items using a baggage drop system inaccordance with any one of the preceding claims, the method comprisingthe steps of: placing baggage items onto the first conveyor belt by thepassenger; optionally reading of the baggage label and/or boarding pass;performing a weight analysis, comprising checking for the presence ofliving creatures on the first conveyor belt, checking for conformitywith baggage handling system requirements, and checking for conformitywith the weight and/or size allowance for the baggage.
 30. Methodaccording to claim 29, where the reading of the baggage label is carriedout automatically, using barcode reading means and/or QR code readingmeans and/or radio frequency chip reading means.
 31. Method according toclaim 29, where the reading of the baggage label is carried outmanually, by means of handheld barcode and/or QR code scanning equipmentand/or digital camera equipment.
 32. Method according to claim 29,wherein the reading of the baggage label is carried out using a wirelesshandheld device, such as a mobile phone.
 33. Method according to any oneof claims 29-32, wherein an additional check is performed, purposed todetect the presence of a living creature on the first conveyor beltand/or verify the transportability of the baggage item.
 34. Methodaccording to one of claims 29-33, wherein a passenger performs aboarding pass read action at the baggage drop system.
 35. Methodaccording to claim 34, wherein a baggage label is printed at the baggagedrop system after the passenger has performed the boarding pass readaction.
 36. Method according to claim 35, wherein the baggage label isprinted either at an electronic check-in kiosk, or at a stand-alonebaggage label print kiosk, being located in the vicinity of the baggagedrop system.
 37. Method according to any one of claims 29-36, whereinthe baggage label is obtained remotely, either by having the passengerprinting the baggage label, or by having the airline or travellingagency send the baggage label to the passenger.
 38. Method according toany one of claims 29-37, wherein a possible payment for excess and/oroverweight baggage takes place at the baggage drop system, either usinga built-in payment terminal, or online using the payment section of theairline's website.
 39. Method according to claim 38, wherein the paymentfor excess and/or overweight baggage is carried out using a mobilepayment device carried by an airline employee or member of the groundstaff.
 40. Method according to claim 38, wherein the payment for excessand/or overweight baggage is carried out at a stand-alone paymentterminal, equipped with a computer and located in the vicinity of thebaggage drop system.